Manu Ríos, the 24-year-old actor, singer, and former YouTuber, and Marc Forné, the 26-year-old Catalan stylist and influencer, have long been key figures in the fashion scene. Their friendship, forged over almost ten years through Instagram messages and chance encounters, has now culminated in the launch of their own fashion label: Carrer. The brand, whose name means 'street' in Catalan, is a unisex clothing line that aims to bridge the gap between high fashion and everyday wear. In an exclusive interview, the duo shared the story behind the brand, their design philosophy, and the challenges they faced in bringing their vision to life.

Marc Forné first gained widespread attention when he styled Manu Ríos for the Esquire Men of the Year event in 2021, dressing him in a sheer black Ludovic de Saint Sernin ensemble. That moment catapulted Ríos into the spotlight as a fashion icon, and Forné's career followed suit. Manu later chose Marc to style him for his first Met Gala in 2022, wearing a Moschino design by Jeremy Scott. Forné has since become the go-to stylist for other celebrities, including Troye Sivan, for whom he created flamboyant looks. Now, the two friends are channeling their creative synergy into a label that reflects their personal style: relaxed, unpretentious, and accessible.

The Genesis of Carrer

The idea for Carrer began two years ago during one of their many travels. "We kept thinking about shoes, accessories, underwear... we had so many ideas," Marc recalls. "Eventually, we decided to build a universe around a core concept that we could develop together." That concept is the street — a place of constant movement, diversity, and authenticity. The name Carrer, though specific to Catalonia, was chosen for its phonetic appeal and the strong statement it makes. "When you see 'Carrer' on a T-shirt, it pops. It's beautiful," Manu adds.

The brand's slogan, "Move through different spaces," originated from a song Manu wrote three years ago. "That line resonated with me deeply," he explains. "I don't like being confined to one box. I want to be everywhere at once." Marc immediately connected with the phrase, as it embodies the nomadic lifestyle they both lead. "Our clothes are designed for people who hop from New York to London to Barcelona," he says. "They need pieces that transition seamlessly across cities and situations."

The Design Philosophy

Carrer is positioned as a midpoint between workwear brands like Carhartt and minimalist staples from COS. The collection includes lightweight outerwear, oversized shirts, ribbed T-shirts, and cargo pants — all designed to be mixed and matched. The Barrau jacket, for instance, is a versatile overshirt that can be worn as a light coat or a layering piece. The Dou overshirt features a relaxed fit and functional pockets, while the Cruz rib T-shirt offers a snug, comfortable fit. "We wanted to answer the question: how do we dress when we're not working?" Marc says. "Easy, wearable, everyday pieces that still feel unique."

The brand is intentionally genderless. "We don't care about gendered labels. If we like something from the women's section, we wear it," Manu states. Marc adds, "Many of my most stylish female friends already wear cargo pants and hoodies in their daily lives. Carrer speaks to them as well." While the current collection leans masculine, the designers are open to creating more feminine pieces in the future. "We can't predict what we'll do in a few years," Manu says. "The brand will evolve with us."

The Challenges of Starting a Label

Despite their fame and influence, launching Carrer was no easier for Ríos and Forné than for anyone else. "Unless your father owns H&M, building a brand is a huge challenge," Marc laughs. "People assume that because we have a following, it's easy. But the actual development — sourcing, manufacturing, logistics — is a nightmare for everyone." Manu acknowledges that their trajectory helped: "We've learned so much over the past few years. We've met people who gave us great advice." Their mutual trust and friendship also eased the process. "We can tell each other anything freely. We work hard and have fun — that's the best combination."

The first collection is now available on carrerstore.com, featuring a range of essentials that reflect the founders' personal aesthetics. As they continue to navigate the fashion industry, both Ríos and Forné remain focused on building a community around Carrer. "We want the brand to represent people our age, but also your dad and mine. Literally everyone," Manu says. With a mix of street, comfort, and subtle sophistication, Carrer is poised to become a new staple for the modern wardrobe.

Source: GQ France News